February 2010

This morning I found Maria Kallin, a photographer who calls herself an amateur (I think she’s so much more) who takes square bokeh shots that show such attention to the often overlooked details that surround us each day. It’s relaxing and refreshing to view these winter shots because there is real heart + soul in her work. Maria lives in Stockholm and her recent winter shots feel so cozy don’t you think?

And they’re a sweet reminder, as I sit here watching the snow fall, that winter soon will melt into Spring. You can enjoy more photos from Maria here.

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Artist Camilla Engman just made a few of her tea towels, designed alongside Third Drawer Down in Australia, available in her web shop. I particularly like the yellow and white towel and enjoy seeing it simply tacked to a wall above a chair – nothing fancy but quite lovely and relaxing to look upon – don’t you think?

One does not need to fuss around perfecting their interior environment, often a simple statement makes the biggest impact and can also cost the least amount of money. I often wish those who stress about decorating their homes thought about design in the way that I do, that you do not have to buy extremely expensive things or go into debt to impress others — but to simply challenge yourself to not spend a lot of money and still create an environment that speaks to you.

Some try to make their home fit the expectations of others or to fit a popular lifestyle trend simply “fit in” that their own heart and soul has been removed and replaced with brand name chairs and fancy wallpaper. Some crave that others will like their style and see them as cool or stylish — they want them to be impressed, but they’ve forgotten a key element — a truly stylish space is one that reflects the authenticity of those living in it and the life and joy and experiences they have had in the past.

When I see such beauty in simple touches that look and feel very cozy and personal I cannot help but think some worry way too much and if they’d only relax and decorate from the heart then their spaces would magically fall together. Perhaps that is the missing link in design, what sets apart one space from the next, not expensive things or copying the ideas of others or even replicating some common style or catalog theme but to simply do what you want to do – decorate from the heart – how would you decorate your bedroom or living room if you knew that no one would ever see it – only you and your family? And then perhaps with that thought in mind, you can feel free to paint birds on your ceiling and paint your moldings black against white walls and paint the legs of your dining room table chairs bright yellow. Maybe one just needs to free themselves from the expectations of others and pretend for a moment that only your decorating sense matters and go with it.

What do you think?

(image: camilla engman)

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Tara just rolled out the most adorable letterpress “love” cards, surely a nice way to kick off a new week as the idea of love certainly fills one with hope and new possibilities. Tara Hogan, designer and founder of INK + WIT, has such great taste and I appreciate her aesthetic because she always knows exactly when to pull back and edit her work so that the finished product never feels cluttered or careless. Aren’t these cards perfect for expressing love to someone whom you hold dear?

Speaking of love, I had the pleasure of watching Miss Potter and Coco Avant Chanel last night as I was home alone and in need of some me time and oh… what powerful, motivating films! I loved learning more about the beginnings of two famous woman, one an author and another a fashion designer, because both women displayed true gumption and a moral certainty that they possessed talent and would do something with it despite the roadblocks and challenges involved. And both succeeded to not only reach their own expectations but to exceed them. What nice thoughts to take into a Monday morning and a new week, so I thought that I would share them with you. If you’ve not viewed one or both of these films I encourage you to do so as I cannot think of any woman (or man) who would not take away something positive from them. I’ve included links to the trailers of both films above so be sure to view them — I could live in both of these movies as the set design and locations were sublime. Did you see either of these films? Thoughts?

Happy Monday — I will return shortly with some inspiration for you to enjoy.

(image: ink + wit)

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About

I’m Holly Becker, and I work as a journalist, author and interior stylist with a 4th book soon to release this September. On decor8, I share decorating ideas, trends and beautiful objects and places - those extra special finds, often made by hand, things that tell a story. I'm lucky enough to travel frequently so I record my many adventures here, too. Together with my small team, we present daily content to enlighten and inspire. Welcome and happy decor8ing!

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